Friday, December 10, 2010

Agreement will more effectively deliver services for parolees and aid in reducing recidivism

OAKLAND – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary Matthew Cate and Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern today signed the first-ever formal partnership between the department and a county to more effectively deliver reentry services to parolees.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Alameda County to strengthen our efforts to provide the services parolees need to succeed and stay out of prison,” said Secretary Cate. “Especially in this time of budget constraints, it is important that we work together to make the most effective use of our resources to help reduce recidivism.”

“This partnership will help us do a better job of using our resources for rehabilitation and job-related services so that these individuals will have a better chance to succeed once they are released from custody,” said Sheriff Ahern. “We look forward to working with CDCR to coordinate and strengthen our efforts to make our communities safer.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CDCR and Alameda County establishes mechanisms for data sharing; identifying gaps in services; increasing collaboration with parole; and coordination with reentry service providers and local stakeholders to ensure that available resources are prioritized in the most effective manner to meet the risks and needs of Alameda County parolees. Under the agreement, Alameda County will also serve as a “laboratory” for piloting appropriate and effective reentry programming. The MOU recognizes that CDCR and the local community must work together to streamline and strengthen an offender’s reintegration into society. The goal of the MOU is to find solutions by increased coordination and cooperation between CDCR and the county.

CDCR utilizes contracted services in Alameda County to assist reentry for parolees. These include substance abuse treatment services provided through Substance Abuse Services Coordination Agencies; and California New Start, a partnership with the California Workforce Investment Board, the Employment Development Department and the Local Workforce Investment Boards, to provide prison-to-employment services.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office also offers a wide variety of reentry services for CDCR inmates at the Santa Rita Jail. These programs include General Education Development, literacy, anger management, computers, Independent Study, English as a Second Language, food service and other programs. Beginning in early 2011, it will also offer employability classes.